On Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Penguins announced a major change to their broadcast team for the 2024-25 season.
Veteran announcer Joe Brand, 33, will be brought on as the Penguins Radio Network play-by-play announcer for the 2024-25 regular season and postseason, should the Penguins qualify. He will call games alongside veteran color analyst and Penguins’ alumni Phil Bourque.
The Penguins have named Joe Brand the radio play-by-play voice of the Penguins Radio Network.
Brand will handle play-by-play duties for all Penguins games, primarily joined in the booth by long-time color analyst and two-time Stanley Cup Champion Phil Bourque.
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) September 3, 2024
Brand, an Illinois State University alumni, formerly worked for the Chicago Blackhawks, where he was a studio host and occasionally filled in on their radio network for coverage as a play-by-play. He has made a name for himself in broadcasting across multiple sports, including baseball, football, and basketball for more than a decade.
And if fans are looking for a preview on what to expect from Brand’s play-by-play voice, here is a sample:
Brand was beloved by the Blackhawks’ media scene and by the team’s fanbase. He hosted pre-game and post-game shows for the team – in addition to “Blackhawks Live,” a weekly show on WGN Radio 720 AM – and quickly became popular.
The announcement of his hiring was met with strong praise on all fronts:
Congratulations to our very own, Joe Brand! We appreciate your hard work and dedication over the past 10 years. We wish you the best and can’t wait to hear you call Penguins games!
Good luck, @Joe_Brand1! https://t.co/cmx50IhfJi
— Kane County Cougars (@KCCougars) September 3, 2024
Brand, who idolized Penguins’ Hall-of-Fame broadcaster Mike Lange, is eager to get started in Pittsburgh, as he told Penguins’ insider Michelle Crechiolo that the gig is a “dream come true.”
A once in a lifetime opportunity with a signature franchise and an ultra-passionate fan base that I’m honored to now be a part of.
Thank you, @penguins. I cannot wait to get to Pittsburgh. https://t.co/YWybsuGnAE
— Joe Brand (@Joe_Brand1) September 3, 2024
Brand replaces 2023-24 radio announcer Steve Mears, who took a TV role with the Columbus Blue Jackets for the 2024-25 season. He will begin calling regular season games for the Penguins when the puck drops on October 9 against the New York Rangers.
Related: Will Crosby and Ovechkin break major records in the same season?
Related: Pittsburgh Penguins 2024-25 Schedule Highlights: February
Related: Penguins Top the List for Nationally Televised NHL Broadcasts
